Happy Tails

A Golden Retriever named Misty came to the Animal Shelter when she was 18 months old. Her owners, who loved her very much, could no longer keep her when they became caretakers for their elderly relative. Misty’s need for intensive training to correct her behavior issues required more man power than the Shelter could provide, but through our PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM Misty qualified for the CANINE CONNECTIONS PROGRAM at Echo Glenn juvenile detention center in Washington State. The Canine Connections Program pairs troubled shelter dogs with troubled youth in hopes of healing both. Many of these incarcerated juveniles have never had the unconditional love of anyone and these dogs provide them this opportunity.

While Misty came from a loving home, many of the dogs in this program come with the same kinds of issues as these kids do- abandonment, neglect and abuse. For many of the kids the real connection and healing come when they realize that these dogs are in trouble just like they are. They have the power to give these dogs a second chance, and in doing so maybe get a second chance themselves. The dogs are paired up with a juvenile in the program for an eight week course of intensive training in dog handling and grooming. The kids acquire real life skills and learn responsibility. For many of these kids it is the first time they feel empathy for another being, perhaps the most healing lesson of all. After the two month course the dogs have learned basic commands, corrected the worst of their behavior problems, and are ready for adoption.

About 100 dogs a year come through the program and are perfect for people who want to adopt a rescued dog but lack the time or expertise to train one. The kids conduct exit interviews with the new owners, discuss the pet’s care and training, history and health, likes and dislikes. While graduation day can be very sad for the kids, knowing they have helped give these dogs a second chance at a new forever home helps to ease the transition. We are proud to say that Misty has successful graduated from the Canine Connections Program and was the star of her class. She is now living with a wonderful family in a beautiful home on Lake Washington where she gets to swim each day and sleep on the bed each night. On behalf of Misty we would like to thank her Canine Connections partner for helping her, and on behalf of the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley we would like to thank our donors for helping us be able to provide our Partnership Program for our special needs shelter dogs.